Communications Design Engineer - Rail & Transit

AtkinsRéalis • Los Angeles, CA

2d

About The Position

We are seeking a Communications Design Engineer - Rail & Transit to join our team in Seattle, WA, Austin, TX, New York, NY, Washington, DC, and Sacramento, CA Under general direction, provides technical expertise within the area of communications engineering for diverse activities throughout the assigned area of responsibility and/or companywide. May function as lead designer or technical consultant. Upholds engineering ethics and standards of conduct. Your role Leads the design, integration, and commissioning of communications systems, including but not limited to radio networks, fiber optic infrastructure, data transmission systems, and digital signalling for passenger and freight rail environments. Ensures all communications systems are engineered to meet operational requirements, safety standards, cybersecurity, and regulatory compliance. Coordinates multidisciplinary teams to deliver complex communications projects, collaborating with signalling engineers, IT specialists, systems integrators, and operations staff. Oversees the development and review of system architectures, interface specifications, and test procedures to ensure seamless interoperability between communications subsystems and legacy infrastructure. Provides technical leadership during system hazard analysis, failure mode and effects analysis (FMEA), and safety/cybersecurity certification processes. Acts as the primary technical liaison with clients, regulatory agencies, and third-party vendors on all matters related to communications systems, ensuring that project deliverables meet or exceed industry best practices and client expectations. Defines scope of communications projects, with full responsibility for interpreting, organizing, and executing project assignments related to communications systems. Selects problems for investigation, developing novel approaches and solutions to technical challenges in communications engineering. Conducts quality control checks, reviewing calculations, designs, evaluations, and specifications developed by design staff for accuracy and completeness, performing on-site inspections and reviews of communications installations, and conducting or overseeing remedial design work. Keeps abreast of state-of-the-art methods and developments in communications systems, digital networks, and cybersecurity for rail/transit. Recommends changes or improvements to communications plans and programs, ensuring compliance with industry standards and regulatory requirements (e.g., FRA, FTA, IEEE, AREMA). May function as the project manager for routine to semi-complex communications projects. Responsibilities may include marketing, negotiating contracts, budgeting, financial management, schedule coordination, and resource allocation. Performs other duties as assigned by supervisor, particularly those related to communications systems. Work involves coordination, research and problem solving on a variety of engineering projects with unique or controversial problems, the solution of which has an important effect on major organization programs. Supervision received is essentially administrative, with assignments given in terms of broad general objectives and limits. Acts independently on technical matters relating to his/her field. Work direction given to others: Supervises and/or coordinates with other senior professionals and support staff. Interfaces with senior technical professionals, technical managers, and administrative staff and managers as necessary. Represents the organization in conferences with clients, prospective clients, and regulatory agencies.

Requirements

• B.S. or M.S. in Electrical Engineering, Communications Engineering, Systems Engineering, or related field.
• This level may be achieved by engineers with ten years’ experience since B.S. or nine years since M.S., with significant experience in communications systems for rail/transit or similar environments.
• 10 or more years of rail/transit experience focused on communications is required.
• Strong technical writing and communications skills, proven through technical presentations, technical papers, and/or participation in technical committees.
• Demonstrated expertise in train control, signalling, and related safety-critical systems.
• Familiarity with industry standards (e.g., AREMA, IEEE, FRA, FTA) and safety certification processes.
• General Competencies expected of all Professionals and Managers are as follows: Client Service, Commitment, Communication, Innovation & Continuous Improvement, Professionalism, Quality, and Teamwork.
• Ability to process paper/electronic documents and utilize computer equipment; ability to communicate clearly both orally and in writing; ability to visit project sites if necessary.
• Job also requires ability to plan, prioritize and review project plans and documents, evaluate alternatives, and select appropriate solutions.

Nice To Haves

• M.S. or graduate-level technical coursework preferred.
• P.E. license is Desired.
• Typical incumbent has 15 to 20 years of experience in communications engineering.

Responsibilities

• Leads the design, integration, and commissioning of communications systems, including but not limited to radio networks, fiber optic infrastructure, data transmission systems, and digital signalling for passenger and freight rail environments.
• Ensures all communications systems are engineered to meet operational requirements, safety standards, cybersecurity, and regulatory compliance.
• Coordinates multidisciplinary teams to deliver complex communications projects, collaborating with signalling engineers, IT specialists, systems integrators, and operations staff.
• Oversees the development and review of system architectures, interface specifications, and test procedures to ensure seamless interoperability between communications subsystems and legacy infrastructure.
• Provides technical leadership during system hazard analysis, failure mode and effects analysis (FMEA), and safety/cybersecurity certification processes.
• Acts as the primary technical liaison with clients, regulatory agencies, and third-party vendors on all matters related to communications systems, ensuring that project deliverables meet or exceed industry best practices and client expectations.
• Defines scope of communications projects, with full responsibility for interpreting, organizing, and executing project assignments related to communications systems.
• Selects problems for investigation, developing novel approaches and solutions to technical challenges in communications engineering.
• Conducts quality control checks, reviewing calculations, designs, evaluations, and specifications developed by design staff for accuracy and completeness, performing on-site inspections and reviews of communications installations, and conducting or overseeing remedial design work.
• Keeps abreast of state-of-the-art methods and developments in communications systems, digital networks, and cybersecurity for rail/transit.
• Recommends changes or improvements to communications plans and programs, ensuring compliance with industry standards and regulatory requirements (e.g., FRA, FTA, IEEE, AREMA).
• May function as the project manager for routine to semi-complex communications projects. Responsibilities may include marketing, negotiating contracts, budgeting, financial management, schedule coordination, and resource allocation.
• Performs other duties as assigned by supervisor, particularly those related to communications systems.

Benefits

• AtkinsRéalis benefits may include medical, dental, vision, company-paid life and short- and long-term disability benefits, employer-matched 401(k) with 100% vesting, employee stock purchase plan, Paid Time Off, leaves of absences options, flexible work options, recognition and employee satisfaction programs, employee assistance program, and voluntary benefits.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Mid Level
• Number of Employees: 5,001-10,000 employees